Google's YouTube to launch kids' app

YouTube will launch a new app specifically for children on Monday in a bid to make using the service safer.

It is understood that YouTube Kids will have parental controls and restrictions on who can upload content.

The
app will run separately to the main YouTube service and it will
initially be available in the US only, but it is understood that it will
be rolled-out in the UK later.
The move has been welcomed by the NSPCC child protection charity.
A
spokesman for the charity said: "Keeping children safe online is the
biggest child protection challenge of this generation. So it's good to
hear about the launch of YouTube Kids."I'm sure it will be
embraced by parents wanting increased reassurance that their younger
children won't be exposed to inappropriate material."

The app will launch in the US on Monday and a UK version will follow
The parental controls will
include the ability to limit the amount of time children can spend
watching videos, as well as a tool allowing the search function to be
switched off, it is understood.
YouTube Kids will have channels
and playlists organised into four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and
Explore. Users will also be able to search for individual topics.
The app will be free, but it will be available on Google's Android devices only.

The app will have parental controls and users
will not be able to upload content, making it safer for children
DreamWorks TV, Jim Henson TV and Mother Goose Club will be some of the content providers, the BBC understands.

YouTube
Kids product manager Shimrit Ben-Yair said: "Parents were constantly
asking us, can you make YouTube a better place for our kids.
"We've
seen 50% growth year over year in viewing time on YouTube, but for our
family entertainment channels, it's more like 200%."